Words in Action | Kaiela Arts Exhibition: Keep the Fires Burning, Blak and Proud

The call went out to artists who have a connection to Yorta Yorta Country.

There was talk, thought, and reflection on the powerful words. How to bring them to life through art.

Keep the Fires burning!– a clarion call to keep strong, to continue the work of previous generations, and to recognise the enduring strength and diversity of First Nations cultures.

To tell stories, to celebrate culture, to pass on the message stick to younger generations.

Blak, Loud and Proud– a celebration of First Nations identity, of being proud of the extraordinary heritage of countless generations.

Of being an integral part of the modern world. Of being able to tell stories in a contemporary way.

To reflect the richness and diversity of culture.

And that is what is now on display at Kaiela Arts.

Over many weeks, there was a sense of purposeful activity in the gallery’s studio. How to capture the theme.

How to honour the ancestors and country. How to ignite a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving and sharing an extraordinary cultural heritage that enriches us all as a nation.

And how to loudly celebrate the pride in this diverse Blak, cultural heritage.

In weaving, ceramics, screen-printing, woodwork, and canvas, stories began to take shape.

The Aunties, who gather regularly on a Thursday, decided to work on a collaborative piece, each telling their own story.

“We all have a different story. Our artwork has been a collaboration. There are four sections. Each section tells our own personal story, from our true memories of the past and what we were told from our Elders,” explained Aunty Amy Briggs.

In the creating, there was talk about the stories as they came to life. Elders talking to younger artists, sharing history, culture and pride.

“The gallery brings us all together so we can put our stories from the past and present onto canvas. We come together as artists to let people know we are still here after thousands of years… still striving for better conditions, still fighting, still telling our stories for our future,” Aunty Amy and Aunty Laurel Robinson added.

Aunty Laurel’s inclusion of many familiar words in her contribution to the canvas—‘ The Tent embassy, Pay the Rent, Treaty and Land Rights’ continues’—is a clear message that the fires are still burning and there is still much to do.

It is a powerful message for the younger generations – but also for all of us. We, as a nation, have much to do.

In Aunty Laurel’s words: “Our struggle continues. We are still fighting. Once a year, they have a march to remind Aboriginal people, young and old, that we are still here, still struggling. We are marching for our rights.”

The words ‘ Bringing communities together’ feature on Aunty Amy’s section of the canvas.

It’s the story of the Unity Cup – the annual game between the Rumbalara and Congupna Football Netball Clubs - but with a different but powerful focus.

The day celebrates the role women play in the family. Women from both teams and communities gather excitedly near Rumbalara’s entrance gates. Then, after a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, walk across the oval flanked by the male players and officials from both clubs, who applaud as the women walk past.

Aunty Amy has movingly captured the women’s walk and the shared sense of community as both teams acknowledge the women.

The importance of country and caring for land is Aunty Rochelle’s focus in ‘ Land is Spirit’‘ Land is Life’. If country is not looked after, it cannot reciprocate – it cannot care for the people.

“Keep the fire burning on land. Sit in the bush with ancestors. Care for animals and care for country, especially our rivers,” explained Aunty Rochelle.

A deep understanding of all aspects of a country is important to have balance and a healthy environment. There is pride in the knowledge of cultural burning practices – knowledge that is important to pass on to the next generations.

As previous generations understood and cared for the country, so we all need to listen to what the land is telling us. Powerful words urging us all to listen.

So now, to Aunty Cynthia Hardie’s part of this extraordinary collaboration and message from the Aunties.

Aunty Cynthia focuses on the wisdom and leadership of previous generations of Elders who have worked so hard to make a difference and have never given up.

So many stories of determination, tenacity and care for community.

In Aunty Cynthia’s words: “Keep the fire burning, keep doing what the Elders did before, and want us to keep telling our stories through painting and storytelling. Still striving for a better future for the younger generations for a better life.”

The importance of the work of previous generations and the responsibility to pass on this information to the next generation.

Take time to also enjoy Aunty Cynthia’s vibrant images of gathering around a fire - images that have so vividly framed the exhibition.

There is an artistry in storytelling regardless of how it is done. Stories can be told or created.

Tiarne Parker and Suzanne Atkinson’s new designs, screen-printed onto linen, bring our attention to the environment and things we often miss in our busy lives – leaves, feathers, and native plants. Encouraging us to pause, be more observant.

Themes of family, connection, stories, shared times, laughter and joy all come together in Melinda Solomon’s carefully crocheted, circular textile piece.

Reflecting her stories from Kuku-yalanji country in northern Queensland, gathering around the central flame and the rich colours of the country, the artwork tells stories of her Elders, her Nan, her Pop, her Aunties and her Uncles. All joining together for their regular catch-up over a cuppa.

Familiar themes that connect us all across generations, cultures and locations. Our shared need to belong, to be part of a community.

Carefully constructed miniature Dilly Bags. Dilly Bags that carried a contribution to the gathering – the billy can, tea bags, sugar, milk, damper, johnny cakes, matches, and enamel cups. Each offering is an important part of the whole. Each person is an important part of the gathering.

For the younger artists from Wilmot Rd and Gowrie St primary schools, the exhibition culminated Galnyatj— Kaiela Arts’ collaborative arts-based school program designed to deepen students’ understanding of Yorta Yorta culture, stories and history and their own connection to the country, culture and people.

Aunty Lyn Thorpe spoke about the importance of each student’s creation—how each work is unique and a reflection of their own unique story. There is pride in the creation, excitement in seeing their works ‘framed up’ on the walls, and a sense of community as family, friends and others join in the acknowledgment of their efforts.

So go along to Kaiela Arts’ Keep the Fires Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud Exhibition. Appreciate the variety of works, and take the time to observe and, learn and enjoy this vibrant, joyous, and unapologetic celebration of Aboriginal identity!

Keep the Fires Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud - Exhibition is currently showing at Kaiela Arts, 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton, from Tuesday, July 9 – Tuesday, August 20.

Gallery Opening Hours - Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat, 10am – 4pm.